Showing posts with label Tooze. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tooze. Show all posts

Sunday, 11 October 2026

Henry Hawkins and Sarah Ann Tooze

Brick Lane Music Hall, Located in the former 
St Mark's Church, Silvertown. Monday, 28 April, 2025
Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

Henry Hawkins (bap. 5 Apr 1846 in Rackenford, Devon), son of Edward Hawkins and Leah Courtis, married Jessie Tooze (b. Sarah Ann in 1846 in Wellington, Somerset), daughter of Thomas Tooze and Mary Summers, on 11 Oct 1868, at St Mark's Church, Silvertown (St Mark's, Victoria Docks). 

Henry and "Jessie" had three children:
  1. Emily Louisa Hawkins b. 1869 J Qtr in KENSINGTON Vol 01A 132
  2. William Henry Hawkins b. 4 Jun 1872 in Detroit, Michigan, Unites States
  3. Arthur Hawkins b. 1874 D Quarter in SHEPPEY Volume 02A 791
In 1871, Henry Hawkins (25) Carpenter; Jessie Hawkins (24); Emily Hawkins (1) born in Notting Hill and Mary Tooze (68) Widow, Pauper, Mother-in-law, were living at Durley Moor Cottage, Holcombe Rogus.

Passenger Lists of vessels arriving at New York, Unites States, show Henry Hawkins (26) Carpenter, Jessie Hawkins (26) Wife and Emily Hawkins (2) Child leaving from Liverpool on 14 Mar 1872, on the transatlantic passenger ship City of New York (1865) of the Inman Line. The streets presumably not being paved with gold, however, they were back in the UK by 1874.

In 1881, at 5, Lower James Street, Minster in Sheppey, were Henry Hawkins (35) Joiner from Rackenford, Devon; Jessie Hawkins (34) from Holcombe Rogus; Emily L Hawkins (11) born in Notting Hill; William Hawkins (8) born in the United States and Arthur Hawkins (6) born in Sheerness.


In 1891, Henry Hawkins (45) Ship's Joiner; Jessie Hawkins (44), Arthur Hawkins (16) and Emily L Ridler (21) were living in Alma Street, Minster in Sheppey. William Hawkins was in the Mediterranean with HMS Inflexible, (and 42 days in Malta Gaol), having joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 31 May 1888, until he was Invalided with Asthma on 4 Nov 1909. 

In 1901, Henry Hawkins (55) Joiner Ship Dock Yard from Rackenford, Devon was living in Delamark Road, Sheerness with Jessie Hawkins (54) and two boarders, Oscar Riche (29) Schoolmaster from Cambridge and Alfred J Middleton (30) Schoolmaster from Grimsby, Lincolnshire. William Hawkins was alternating between HMS Victory, HMS Vernon shore establishments and HMS Duke of Wellington (for all three, read Portsmouth.)

In 1911, Henry Hawkins (65) Pensioned Joiner was still living in Sheerness with Jessie Hawkins (64), William Hawkins (38) Naval Pensioner; John Tooze (71) Retired Thatcher (Jessie's older brother); and three boarders.

Henry Hawkins died, aged 73, on 10 Mar 1919 (1919 M Quarter in SHEPPEY Volume 02A Page 1782) and is buried in Sheppey Cemetery. Probate reads, "HAWKINS, Henry of 2 Delamark Road, Sheerness, Kent, pensioned joiner in H. M. Dockyard died 10 March 1919. Administration (with Will) Canterbury 21 February (sic) to William Henry Hawkins skilled labourer at H. M. Dockyard and Arthur Hawkins pensioner Royal Navy. Effects £1062 7s 1d."

Jessie Hawkins died, also aged 73, on 9 Nov 1919 (1919 D Quarter in SHEPPEY Volume 02A Page 1140) and is also buried in Sheppey Cemetery, along with her late husband. Probate, in her case, reads, "HAWKINS, Jessie of 2 Delamark Road, Sheerness, Kent, widow, died 9 November 1919 Probate 20 December to William Henry Hawkins skilled labourer at H. M. Dockyard and Arthur Hawkins pensioner RN. Effects £1046 18s 5d."

Tuesday, 8 September 2026

William Tooze and Sophia Disney

St Andrew's Church, Halberton, Devon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Wayland Smith - geograph.org.uk/p/6557083

William Tooze (bap. 3 Apr 1809) son of Thomas Tooze and Joan Potter, married Sophia Disney at St Andrew's Church, Halberton, Devon, on 8 Sep 1831. Sophia was most likely born around 1805 - census records place her birth anywhere between 1803 and 1808 - and she is consistently listed as being born in Thorne St Margaret, Somerset, as was Eliza Disney (b. 1807), wife of William's elder brother, Richard Tooze. Baptisms for that parish are not freely available online, so I haven't seen baptism records for either, but I imagine there's a good chance that the two could have been sisters.

William and Sophia had three children:
  1. Thomas Tooze bap. 10 Feb 1833 in Holcombe Rogus
  2. Edward Tooze bap. 29 Nov 1835 in Holcombe Rogus.
    Died, aged 7, and was buried in Holcombe Rogus in 1843.
  3. Eliza Tooze bap. 20 Jun 1838 in Burlescombe. Died, aged 4 and was buried in Holcombe Rogus in 1842. (No GRO registrations)
William's occupation listed on all the baptisms was Thatcher.

In 1841, William Tooze (30), Sophia Tooze (35), Thomas (8), Edward (5) and Eliza (3) were living at Ridgeway Gate, Holcombe Rogus.

In 1851, William Tooze (40) Thatcher; Sophia Tooze (43) and Thomas Tooze (18) Thatcher were again living at Ridgeway, Pound Hill, Holcombe Rogus.

In 1861, William Tooze (59) Thatcher; Sophia Tooze (58) and Sophia Tooze (7) Granddaughter, were again listed at Ridgeway Gate, Holcombe Rogus.

William Tooze died, aged 60, in 1869 M Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 297.

In 1871, Sophia Tooze (67) Widow, Gardenwoman, and granddaughter, Sophia Tooze (17) Fancy Worker, were still at Ridgeway Gate.

Sophia Tooze died in 1875 J Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 274, aged ~70. She was buried in Holcombe Rogus on 4 Jun 1875.

Cottages, at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Cornfoot - geograph.org.uk/p/1268080

Thomas Tooze (bap. 10 Feb 1833) son of William Tooze and Sophia Disney, married Caroline Cottrell (bap. 16 Feb 1834), daughter of Thomas Cotterell and Sarah Tooze. The Banns of the marriage were attempted to be read in Holcombe Rogus, but written on the record is, "I William Tooze, father of the above Thomas Tooze, did openly in the Church this day March 13th, 1853, forbid these Banns. My son being under age." William Tooze.

The determined couple married, in Tiverton, in the 4th quarter of 1853.

Thomas and Caroline Tooze went on to have twelve children:

  1. Sophia Tooze b. 1854 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 417, bap. 7 May 1854 in Holcombe Rogus
  2. Edward William Thomas Tooze b. 1855 D Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Vol 05C Page 355, bap. 2 Dec 1855
  3. Sarah Jane Tooze b. 1858 M Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 416, bap. 14 Feb 1858
  4. Caroline Tooze b. 1859, bap. 26 Feb 1860 (no GRO registration)
  5. Eliza Tooze bap. 15 Dec 1861 (no GRO registration)
  6. Lily Tooze b. 1863 D Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 396, bap. 8 Nov 1863
  7. Thomas Tooze b. 1865 S Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET & DEVON Volume 05C Page 390, bap. 10 Sep 1865
  8. Lucy Ann Tooze b. 1867 S Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 369, bap. 14 Jul 1867. Died, aged 13, in 1880 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C  Page 273 and was buried in Holcombe Rogus
  9. Emily Tooze b. 1869 D Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 352, bap. 10 Oct 1869
  10. Elizabeth Tooze b. 1872 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 393, bap. 3 Mar 1872. Died, 1900 J Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET & DEVON  Volume 05C  Page 209
  11. William Tooze b. 1875 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 361, bap. 15 Aug 1875
  12. Albert Tooze b. 9 Mar 1880 M Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 333, bap. 16 May 1880
Caroline will have been 46 when the last child was born, which is late, so I did check that they weren't passing off any illegitimate grandchildren as their own, but all of the registrations of the above show the mother's maiden name as COTTERILL, COTTERELL or COTTRELL and all of the baptisms list the child as being that of Thomas and Caroline, so appear to be theirs.

In 1861, Thomas Tooze (28) Carter; Caroline Tooze (28), Edward (5), Sarah J (3) and Caroline (2) were living at Knowle Cottage, Holcombe Rogus. Their eldest daughter, Sophia (7) was living with her grandparents.

In 1871, Thomas Tooze (38) Agricultural Labourer; Caroline Tooze (37), Caroline (10), Eliza (8), Lillie (sic) (7), Thomas (5), Lucy (4) and Emily (1) were all living at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus. Living with them was Caroline's widowed father, Thomas Cotterell (84) Pauper and an Elizabeth Hall (22) Visitor. Eldest daughter, Sophia (17) Fancy Worker, was still living with her grandmother; yet to find Edward; Sarah Tooze (13) was Domestic Servant to Henry Jones (73) Carpenter, in South Street, Holcombe Rogus.

In 1881, still at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus were Thomas Tooze (48) Ag Lab, Caroline Tooze (48), Emily (10), Elizabeth (9), William (6) and Albert (1). Also living with them was Frances Tooze (6) Granddaughter (b. 1875 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 365), bap. 31 Jan 1875, illegitimate daughter of Sophia Tooze. Not found Sophia, Edward or Sarah Jane; Caroline married in 1879; Eliza Tooze (19) was Domestic Servant to John Howse (42) Farmer at Burrow Farmhouse, Ashbrittle; Lillie (sic) Tooze (18) was a General Servant to Alice E James (21) Schoolmistress in South Street, Wellington and Thomas Tooze (15) was a Farm Servant (indoor) to William Warren (55) Farmer at Ford Place, Holcombe Rogus.

In 1891,  at Twitchen, were Thomas Tooze (58) Coachman, Caroline Tooze (57), William Tooze (15) French Polisher and Albert Tooze (11). Elizabeth Tooze (20) was Domestic Servant to Frederick Chave (68) in Halberton.

In 1901, Thomas Tooze (68) Ordinary Labourer and Caroline Tooze (68).

Caroline Tooze died actually at 66, in 1901 S Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 193. Thomas Tooze died in  1902 J Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 213, at 68.

Wednesday, 5 August 2026

John Frederick Rickman and Ellen Tooze

St James the Less, Bethnal Green
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/4167332

John Frederick Rickman (b. 1838 in Homerton), son of George and Maria Rickman, married Ellen Tooze (b. 1837), daughter of Thomas Tooze and Mary James, at St James-the-Less, Bethnal Green, on 5 Aug 1858. Witnesses were John Benn and Elizabeth Tooze, who will have been Ellen's sister.

In 1861, John Rickman (27) Police Officer and Ellen Rickman (24) Dressmaker, were living in the High Road, Loughton, Essex.

In 1871, John F Rickman (32) Coachman and Ellen Rickman (34) Dressmaker, were Lodgers in Blackheath, Lewisham. The couple don't have children.

In 1881, John Frederick Rickman (43) Labourer, Ellen Rickman (44) and Ellen M A Leys (14) Niece, were at 42, Sedgwick Street, Hackney.

Ellen Rickman died, aged 48, in 1885 J Qtr in HACKNEY Vol 01B Page 348.

John Frederick Rickman then remarried to Lydia Ann Hazell. (bap. 12 Dec 1845 in Brooke, Norfolk), daughter of James Hazell and Emma Yallop, in Ongar, Essex, in 1886. However, John Frederick Rickman died, aged 51, in 1890 D Quarter in HACKNEY Volume 01B Page 413. 

In 1891, Lydia Ann Rickman (44) Widow, was a Housekeeper, living at 31 St Stephens Square, Norwich, Norfolk, along with her two sons Frederick James Rickman (4) b. 23 Apr 1887 (1887 J Quarter in WATFORD Volume 03A Page 570) and George Hazell Rickman (1891 M Quarter in HACKNEY Volume 01B Page 527), who, at just 4 months, was a posthumous child. 

Lydia Ann Rickman died at 83, in 1929 S Qtr in HENSTEAD Vol 04B 181.

Wednesday, 8 July 2026

Thomas Tooze and Mary James

St Olave, Exeter, Devon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Neil Owen - geograph.org.uk/p/4210935
One of Exeter's oldest churches, it was founded in 1035. It had a varied past, being closed by Cromwell and converted to a school, reopened during the Huguenot exodus as a church.

Thomas Tooze (b. 5 Jan 1805, bap. 20 Jan 1805, in Halberton, Devon), son of Thomas Tooze and Jane Burton, married Mary James at St Olave's Church, Exeter on 8 Jul 1832. Undoubtedly, this is the same Thomas Tooze who had appeared in court in Exeter in 1832, being tried for Larceny. Both were listed as sojourner (temporarily residing) in this parish. Further records suggest that Mary was born in around 1806-1807. The 1851 census reports her birthplace as 'Kintbar, Devon', which Google and I believe should be Kentisbeare. There was a Mary James bap. 1 Feb 1807, daughter of Richard and Ann James.

This Thomas and Mary had at least three children:
  1. Ellen Tooze b. 1837 in Stoke Newington, Middlesex (no reg)
  2. William Tooze b. 19 Aug 1839 (1839 S Quarter in OF THE HACKNEY UNION Volume 03 Page 133). A 1879 record, British Civil Service Evidence Of Age (Post Office), gives William's birth date.
  3. Elizabeth Tooze b. 10 Jan 1842 M Qtr HACKNEY Vol 03 Page 196
The mother's maiden name on both birth registrations is James.

They were in the London Borough of Hackney by the time of Ellen's birth, but there are no baptisms, so there could have been other children that were never recorded. There is no birth registration, but there is also a death of a 3 year old Eliza Tooze, in Hackney, in 1849, who could also have been theirs.

In 1841, Thomas Tooze (rounded down to 30), Mary Tooze (30), Ellen Tooze (4) and William Tooze (1) were living in Brook Street, Hackney.

In 1851, Thomas Tooze (47) Brewers Servant - no surprise, his father was a Maltster - from Halberton, Devon, and Mary Tooze (44) from Kintbar, Devon [Kentisbeare] Laundress; William Tooze (11) and Elizabeth Tooze (9), both born in Clapton, Middlesex, were living in Assembly Row, which Victorian Villas in Hackney (PDF) suggests was in Northwold Road, Clapton, London. Ellen Tooze (14) Domestic Servant, born in Stoke Newington, Middlesex, was employed in the household of Thomas F Wilson (33) Stock Broker, in Wellington Place, Hackney. (An offshoot from the high road, called Wellington Place, had eight gentleman's residences by 1821; it had been extended due east as Wellington Road (from 1939 Shacklewell Road).

In 1861, Thomas Tooze (56) from Halberton, Devonshire 'Formerly Brewer' and saying formerly and being only in his 50's, I would read to indicate that Thomas had become infirm; Mary Tooze (54) Laundress and Elizabeth Tooze (19) Dress Maker, were living at 5, Queens Road, Hackney.

Mary Tooze was admitted to Hackney Union Workhouse on 3 Jul 1869, then both Thomas Tooze and Mary Tooze were admitted to Hackney Union Workhouse on 19 Oct 1869.

Thomas Tooze, 65, was discharged dead from Hackney Union Workhouse on on 30 Dec 1869 (1869 D Qtr in HACKNEY Vol 01B Page 335).

In 1871, Mary Tooze (69) Pauper, Widow, Domestic Servant from Devonshire, was a resident at Hackney Union Workhouse.

Mary Tooze died at 66, on 12 Jun 1872, also at Hackney Union Workhouse (1872 J Qtr in HACKNEY Vol 01B Page 287).

So what relation are Thomas Tooze and Mary James to Thomas Tooze and Mary Summers? The chance that they are NOT related, given they all hail from the same Devon villages, is infinitesimally small, however the link is further back than available records, so we can only speculate: Thomas Tooze (b. 1801) m. Mary Summers was son of, Thomas Tooze (b. 1770) m. Joan Potter who was son of, William Tooze (b. 1727) m. Joan Cood. On the other hand, this Thomas Tooze (b. 1805) m. Mary James was son of, Thomas Tooze (b. 1776) m. Jane Burton who was son of, Thomas Tooze (b. 1735) m. Dorothy Woodbery. Baptisms for William Tooze (b. 1727) and Thomas Tooze (b. 1735) are not available online, however, with only eight years between them, it would not be a surprise if they were brothers. If so, then the first common ancestors that Thomas Tooze (b. 1801) and Thomas Tooze (b. 1805) would share would be their great-grandparents, making them 2nd cousins.

Autumn flowers in Burgess Park
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Malc McDonald - geograph.org.uk/p/6655621

William Tooze, son of Thomas Tooze and Mary James, married Mary Ann Tovell, daughter of George Tovell and Eleanor Tooze (m. at St James's Church, Piccadilly on 6 Oct 1831) in Greenwich, in 1868. (George Tovell had died at 60, in 1868 J Quarter in STRAND Vol 01B Page 332.) William's father, Thomas Tooze and Mary Ann's mother, Eleanor Tooze, were brother and sister and, therefore, William Tooze and Mary Ann Tovell were 1st cousins.

The couple don't appear to have children.

In 1871, William Tooze (31) Tea Broker, born in Clapton, Middlesex, was living in Greenwich with wife Mary A Tooze (35) born in Vauxhall, Middlesex and Ellen Tovell (64) Widow, Mother-in-Law, born in 'Alberton, Devonshire' - methinks an H has dropped off once it got to London. :) (Ellen Tovell died, aged 74, in 1881 D Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 640.)

In 1881, William Tooze (41) Commercial Clerk was living at 5, Domville Grove, Camberwell (Domville Grove was off Albany Road, Camberwell. After it was demolished the land was covered over by the grass of Burgess Park), but this time living with Annie Tooze (29) whose birthplace was Long Sutton, Somerset. With a 16 year difference in birth years and a different birthplace, these look like two different women, but I have no other details as yet.

William Tooze died at 48, in 1887 D Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 590.

She does not appear to be listed on the 1891 census, but Mary Ann Tooze died, at 64, in 1901 M Quarter in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 673.

Thursday, 18 June 2026

William Tooze and Joan Cood

Interior, of All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Cornfoot - geograph.org.uk/p/1267966

William Tooze (b. 1727) married Joan Cood (bap. 6 Jan 1725 in Holcombe Rogus), daughter of Thomas Cood (the baptism record doesn't mention her mother), at All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus on 18 Jun 1751.

Records suggest at least six children, all baptised in Holcombe Rogus:
  1. William Tooze bap. 26 Jan 1752
  2. Mary Tooze bap. 31 Mar 1754
  3. Catherine Tooze bap. 7 Mar 1756
  4. Elizabeth Tooze bap. 27 Dec 1762
  5. John Tooze bap. 11 Oct 1767
  6. Thomas Tooze bap. 5 Jun 1770
It appears that Joan Tooze, with year of birth listed as 1727, died in 1769. Assuming Thomas was baptised at a few months old, this is not necessarily inconsistent and, indeed, may point to the cause of her death.

William Tooze died in 1787. Both were buried in Holcombe Rogus.

Saturday, 13 June 2026

John Tooze and Sarah Tristram

Holcombe Rogus, All Saints Church: South porch
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Michael Garlick - geograph.org.uk/p/6642067

John Tooze (bap. 25 Dec 1806) son of Thomas Tooze and Joan Potter, married Sarah Tristram (bap. 11 Dec 1808) daughter of James Tristram and Mary Hooper, on 13 Jun 1830, in Holcombe Rogus. Witnesses were Thomas Tooze and Richard Tooze, presumably John's two older brothers. 

John and Sarah Tooze had eight children baptised in Holcombe Rogus:
  1. Eliza Tooze bap. 17 Mar 1833. Died, aged 35 in 1868 M Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 257
  2. Isaac Tooze bap. 9 Aug 1835 
  3. Mary Tooze bap. 22 Jul 1838
  4. John Tooze bap. 29 Aug 1841
  5. James Tooze b. 1845 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 518, bap. 23 Feb 1845
  6. Sarah Tooze b. 1847 S Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 406, bap. 22 Aug 1847
  7. Frederick Tooze b. 1850 D Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET Volume 10 Page 472, bap. 2 Feb 1851
  8. Frank Tooze b. 1854 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C  Page 417, bap. 1 Oct 1854
All of the baptisms gave John Tooze' occupation as Chairmaker, except for that of Mary, when he was described as a Wheelwright. That might be a mistake in easy confusion, as there were so many Toozes in Holcombe Rogus. The mother's maiden name on the GRO birth registrations for James, Sarah and Frederick is TRISTAM. On Frank's it was correct with TRISTRAM.

On the same day, 1 Oct 1854, as the baptism of Frank Tooze, there was a baptism of an Elizabeth Tooze, illegitimate daughter (1854 M Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 420) of Eliza Tooze. As it was the adjacent entry on the baptism register, one may surmise that this may have been the child of John and Sarah's eldest daughter.

It also appears Sarah Tristram had a son, born in Holcombe Rogus, around the time of her marriage, but for whom there does not appear to be a baptism record. This, I can only imagine is because they didn't want have the 'wrong' surname imposed by the church. Census records and his age at death suggest a year of birth around 1830 and being born so close to the wedding, I feel, makes it far more likely that he was indeed John Tooze' biological son. When this son married Ann Escott (20) daughter of John Escott, Sawyer, on 30 Jun 1853 in Holcombe Rogus, he listed himself as William Tristram Tooze and his father as John Tooze, Chairmaker. On the marriage record, William is merely listed as being of 'Full Age'. However, in 1841, he had been listed as William Tooze (10), living in the household of Sarah's parents, James and Mary Tristram (didn't help that this had been mis-transcribed as Tresham), next door at Dowdneys, Holcombe Rogus. In 1851, William Tooze (20) Sawyer, was a Lodger in the household of John Escott (37) Widower, Sawyer, at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus. William and Ann had three children, before he died, aged 27, in 1858 M Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 325 and was buried on 3 Jan 1858 in Wellington. 

In 1841, John Tooze (30) Chair Maker and Sarah Tooze (30) were living at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus with Eliza (8), Isaac (6) and Mary (3), and William Tooze (20) Ag Lab (this is not William Tristram Tooze. There was a William Tooze bap. 26 Aug 1821 in Holcombe Rogus, the son of William Tooze, Mason and Tamzin Nott, but I don't know for certain if this is him, nor have I done any further research to discover what relation he could be).

In 1851, still at Twitchen, were John Tooze (44) Chairmaker; Sarah Tooze (42) Lace Mender; Isaac Tooze (15) Chairmaker; Mary (12), John (10), James (6), Sarah (3) and Frederick (6 months). There also was Lodger, Richard Willway (29) Tailor, from Witheridge. Eliza Tooze (18) was House Servant to Charles Gorman (30) Innkeeper, at the While Lion, East Street, Taunton.

In 1861, Mary Tooze (23) was General Servant in the household of Thomas Chard (73) Farmer of 65 Acres as Haydon Farm, Taunton; James Tooze (14) was Farm Servant in the household of James Tristram (50) at Lower Besley, Farm House, Holcombe Rogus; Sarah Tooze (13) was General Servant in the household of William Woolaway (35) Letter Carrier at 9 Church Square, Taunton. Not been able to find the rest of them on the 1861 census.

Sarah Tooze died, aged 56, in 1865 M Quarter in WELLINGTON,SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 305.

In 1871, John Tooze (64) Chairmaker, Widower, was a Lodger in Mantle Street, Bowermans Lane, Wellington, Somerset, with Frank Tooze (17) Sawyer and Isaac Tooze (8), both Boarders. (Isaac William Tooze (1862 D Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 387) was John's grandson, the illegitimate son of Mary Tooze.)

In 1881, John Tooze (75) Chair Maker (Cabt Mkr), Widower was living in the household of John Vincent (43) - John Vincent had married Mary Tooze in 1874 - in Butleigh, Wells, Somerset.

Several of us have been unable to find the record of John Tooze' death. He does not appear on the 1891 Census and a death in Wellington, Somerset in 1890 is suggested, the source not noted. The most likely explanation, I feel, is that he died at The Wellington Union Workhouse. Elsewhere I've found cold records of inmates being discharged for being dead, but for which there are no corresponding civil death records, and only sometimes burials.

Monday, 8 June 2026

Thomas Tooze and Dorothy Woodbery

Holcombe Rogus : All Saints Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/7371472

Thomas Tooze (b. ~1735) married Dorothy Woodbery (b. ~1746), daughter of Jeremiah Woodbery and Ann Brice, at All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus on 8 Jun 1767. Both were 'of the parish'. It looks as if Thomas Tooze was able to sign his own name, while Dorothy made her mark. Witnesses were Sarah Webber and John Hurly. Thomas' baptism record is not available.

Records exist for six children of this couple:
  1. Sarah Tooze bap. 5 Apr 1768 in Holcombe Rogus. Died as an infant and was buried on 5 Aug 1771, also in Holcombe Rogus.
  2. Mary Tooze bap. 15 Oct 1769 in Holcombe Rogus. Appears to have died at 32, and was buried in Holcombe Rogus in 1802.
  3. Sarah Tooze bap. 12 Jul 1772 in Holcombe Rogus. 
  4. Thomas Tooze bap. 23 Mar 1776 in Holcombe Rogus. 
  5. George Tooze bap. 15 Jun 1778 in Holcombe Rogus. 
  6. Elizabeth Tooze bap. 4 Feb 1780 in Holcombe Rogus. Died as an infant and was buried on 17 Apr 1784, again in Holcombe Rogus.
Thomas Tooze died, at 83, and buried in Holcombe Rogus on 26 Nov 1818. 

Dorothy Tooze died, aged 74, and buried in Holcombe Rogus on 2 Jul 1820.

Wednesday, 6 May 2026

Thomas Tooze and Joan Potter

Holcombe Rogus, All Saints Church: Eastern aspect
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Michael Garlick - geograph.org.uk/p/6642105
The church stands next to 
Holcombe Court 'the finest Tudor house in Devon'.
Interior, of All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus

Thomas Tooze (bap. 5 Jun 1770), son of William Tooze and Joan Cood, married Joan Potter (bap. 21 Jan 1771), daughter of James Potter and Jane Stone, on 6 May 1795, at All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus, Devon. One of the witnesses to this marriage was a Samuel Tooze.

Thomas and Joan had seven children, all baptised at Holcombe Rogus: 
  1. Robert Tooze bap. 29 Jan 1797 (Buried on 21 May 1797)
  2. Thomas Tooze bap. 17 May 1801
  3. Richard Tooze bap. 24 Jul 1803
  4. John Tooze bap. 25 Dec 1806
  5. William Tooze bap. 3 Apr 1809
  6. Samuel Tooze bap. 8 Mar 1812. (Buried on 4 Jul 1813)
  7. Elizabeth Tooze bap. 15 May 1814
On Elizabeth's baptism, her father's occupation is listed as Thatcher.

Thomas Tooze died, aged 70, in 1840 (GRO Reference: 1840 M Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 10 Page 367) and was buried on 1 Mar 1840.

In 1841, Joan Tooze (70) was living by the New Inn, Holcombe Rogus, with James Tooze (15), her grandson, son of Thomas Tooze and Mary Summers. I've not [yet] found any further records for Joan nor of her death.

Wednesday, 8 April 2026

Richard Rowland and Caroline Tooze

Church of St Mary Magdalene, Taunton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mike Searle - geograph.org.uk/p/3157603

Richard Rowland (bap. 25 Dec 1819 in Upottery), son of William Rowland and Betty Hill (m. 11 Mar 1802 in Upottery, Devon), married Caroline Tooze (bap. 22 Feb 1829 in Holcombe Rogus), daughter of Richard Tooze and Eliza Disney, at St Mary Magdalene, Taunton (now Taunton Minster) on 8 Apr 1856. The witnesses were Samuel Tooze and Robert Dyer.

Richard and Caroline had eight children, none were baptised:
  1. Alfred James Rowland b. 1857 S Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 369. Died, aged 6, in 1864, and was buried in Nynehead, Somerset.
  2. Emma Jane Rowland b. 1859 M Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 427. Died at 26, in 1885 in Wellington.
  3. Alfred Richard Rowland b. 1860 D Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 368. Registered as Alfred Richard, but appears to have been known as Francis.
  4. Ann Rowland b. 1863 J Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 440. Died at 8, in 1871 J Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Vol 05C Page 252.
  5. Rosa Rowland b. 1865 S Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 378
  6. Emily Rowland b. 1867 J Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 386. Died, aged 10, in 1877, in Wellington.
  7. Alfred Rowland b. 1869 S Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 355
  8. Walter Rowland b. 1872 in Wellington, Somerset.
In 1861, Richard Rowland (34) Shepherd from Upottery, Devon was living at Haywood Cottage, Nynehead, Somerset with wife Caroline Rowland (32) from Holcombe Rogus, Devon; Alfred (3) and Emma Jane (2) born in West Buckland, Somerset; Francis Rowland (5 months) [must be the child registered as Alfred Richard] born in Nynehead and James Tooze (21) Chairmaker, Lodger (this is Caroline's younger brother).

In 1871, living in Payton, Wellington, were Richard Rowland (50) Farm Labourer, Caroline Rowland (40), Francis (10), Anne (8), Rosa (6), Emily (4) and Alfred (2) - the last two having been born in Langford, Somerset.

Caroline Rowland died, age estimated to 48, in 1876 D Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 238.

In 1881, Richard Rowland (68) Agricultural Labourer from Upottery, was an Inmate in Wellington Union Workhouse. Wellington Workhouse was the first to be built after the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which ordered that every area in England and Wales should have a purpose built place to house the poor. [Source] Also Inmates, in a different section from their father, were Alfred Rowland (13) Scholar (pauper) born in Langford Budville, Somerset and Walter Rowland (9) Scholar (pauper), born in Wellington, Somerset. There was a Rose Rowland (16) Woolen Feeder, living in Wellington as head of the household, living with her was Mary A Stevens (14) Lodger.

In 1891, Richard Rowland (age estimated to 75) Widower, Agricultural Labourer was still an Inmate of Wellington Union Workhouse. Rose Rowland married Tom Winter in 1887 and they were living in Rockwell Green. Alfred Rowland (21) Assistant Butcher, Servant, born in Langford, Somerset was in the household of James Moorish (29) Butcher, at 27 Rockwell Green.

Richard Rowland died, at 73, in 1892 M Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 252.

Saturday, 28 March 2026

Albert Tooze and Flora May Kingsbury

St John the Apostle's Church, Torquay, Devon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Dixon - geograph.org.uk/p/1769697

Albert Tooze (b. 9 Mar 1880), the youngest son of Thomas Tooze and Caroline Cotterell, married Flora May Kingsbury (b. 6 Jan 1880 in Sutton Waldron, Dorset), daughter of Henry John Kingsbury and Elizabeth Lancey, at St John's Church, Torquay, Devon, on 28 Mar 1903. Both Albert and Flora listed their age as 22 and address as 14 Braddons Street, Torquay.

Albert and Flora had two children:
  1. Albert Henry Tooze b. 25 Apr 1903 J Quarter in NEWTON ABBOT Vol 05B Page 117, bap. Whit Sunday, 31 May 1903 at St John's, Torquay.
  2. Alice May Tooze b. 9 Jun 1906 S Quarter in NEWTON ABBOT Volume 05B Page 117, bap. 22 Jul 1906, at St John's Church, Torquay.
Upon marriage, Albert gave his rank as Stoker H.M.S. Albert Tooze had joined the Royal Navy on 2 Dec 1902. (Unsurprisingly, as his mother died in 1901 and his father in 1902.) At that time, Albert was 5 ft 4 in with dark brown hair, blue eyes and a fresh complexion. He signed up for 12 years. By 4 Dec 1914, he'd grown to 5 ft 6 in and gained some tattoos: on his right forearm was a woman's head and "FLORRIE" and on his left forearm, was a figure playing a flute. Obviously, these were images of importance to him.

Albert's date of birth on his naval record is 9 Mar 1881, but his birth was registered in the March quarter of 1880 and he was baptised on 16 May 1880. The one year difference could be a simple error, or there may have been some reason why he needed to be a year younger when he signed up. Either way, I think it safe to accept that 9 Mar 1880 was his actual birthday.

In 1911, Albert Tooze (31) Stoker Petty Officer from Holcombe Rogus, Devonshire, was living at 30 Cotehele Avenue, Plymouth with Flora May Tooze (30), Albert Henry Tooze (7) and Alice May Tooze (4).

On 29 Aug 1913, Albert was assigned to HMS Highflyer (1898). From August 1914, she was assigned to the 9th Cruiser Squadron in the Central Atlantic to intercept German commerce raiders and protect Allied shipping. Albert will have been with the ship when she sank the German armed merchant cruiser SMS Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse off the coast of Spanish Sahara.

Albert Tooze died on 13 Jul 1915 at San Vicente Hospital, Cape Verde, from shock following the amputation of a leg crushed between lighter and ship, coaling on 23 Jun. Chief Stoker Albert Tooze, HMS Highflyer, is buried at the Mindelo Municipal Cemetery, Mindelo, São Vicente, Cape Verde.

Flora May Tooze (née Kingsbury) died, aged 71, in 1951 S Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 07A Page 596. She never remarried.

  • Albert Henry Tooze (23) Electric Fitter at HM Dockyard, married Lilian Mabel Turner (21), in December 1926 at Emmanuel church, Compton Gifford, Plymouth. Lilian Mabel and two of their children returned from Singapore in 1946. Albert Henry Tooze died in 1987 and Lilian Mabel Tooze in 1992, both in Birkenhead, Cheshire.
  • Alice May Tooze married William Henry James Barrett on 17 Aug 1936 at St Jude's Church, Plymouth. They had one son, Peter Barrett (1943-2020). William Henry James Barrett died on 11 Jan 1972 and Alice May Barrett, on 18 Sep 1980, both in Plymouth.

Friday, 27 March 2026

Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze


Thomas Ridgway (bap. 4 Feb 1844), son of James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock, married Ann Tooze (b. 1844), daughter of Richard Tooze and Eliza Disney, at St Peter’s Church Tiverton on 27 Mar 1865. Witnesses to their marriage were Thomas Vickery and Jane Ridgway (Thomas' sister), who were also married, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, in May of that same year.

Thomas and Ann Ridgeway/Ridgway had ten children. Where they were baptised, these were all at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman: 
  1. James Ridgeway b. 1866 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 441
  2. Tom Ridgeway b. 1868 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 441, bap. 7 Jun 1868 (Died, aged 12, in 1881 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 275 and was buried at Uplowman on 28 Mar 1881)
  3. John Ridgeway b. 18 Jun 1870 (1870 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 421), bap. 10 Jul 1870 
  4. William Ridgeway b. 29 Jun 1873 (1873 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 412), bap. 10 Aug 1873
  5. Henry Ridgeway b. 17 Mar 1876 (1876 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 433), bap 23 Apr 1876 
  6. Frank Ridgway b. 1878 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 445, bap 28 Apr 1878 (Died aged 22 in 1900 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 253 and was buried on 13 Dec 1900 at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman)
  7. Bessie Ann Ridgway b. 4 Mar 1880 (1880 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 461), bap. 28 Mar 1880
  8. Sidney Ridgway b. 24 Feb 1882 (1882 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 439), bap. 7 Apr 1882
  9. Charles Ridgway b. 1884 M Quarter in TIVERTON  Volume 05B  Page 428, bap. 24 Feb 1884
  10. Ellen Ridgway b. 4 Jan 1886 (1886 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 432)
As well as some being registered as Ridgeway and others Ridgway, various records have the mother's maiden name as TOOZE, TWOZE or TWOSE.

In 1871, Thomas Ridgway (sic) (27) Farm Labourer and Ann Ridgway  (27) were living at Lowman Cross, Uplowman with James Ridgway (4), Tom Ridgway (2) and John Ridgway (9m).

In 1881, at Whitnage, Uplowman, were Thomas Ridgeway (37), Ann Ridgeway (37), John Ridgeway (10), William Ridgeway (7), Henry Ridgeway (5), Frank Ridgeway (3) and Bessie Ann Ridgeway (1), as well as Thomas' mother, Mary Ann Marsh (74). James Ridgeway (15) Ag Lab was in the household of Rachel Chave (51) Widow, Farmer in Halberton.

In 1891, still at Whitnage, Uplowman, with Thomas (47) and Ann (47), were James (24), Frank (13), Bessie (11), Sydney (9), Charles (7) and Ellen (5). In 1891, John Ridgeway (20) was lodging with James Wood at Widhayes, Uplowman. And Harry Ridgeway (17) was working as a Farm servant to farmer, James Crosby at Landside, Sampford Peverell, Tiverton.

In 1901, living at Greenend, Uplowman, were Thomas Ridgway (57), General Farm Labourer; Ann Ridgway (56), William Ridgway (27), Carter on Farm and Ellen Ridgway (15). 

Ann Ridgway died, aged 63, in 1907 D Quarter in ST THOMAS [Exeter - presumably at the hospital there] Volume 05B Page 41.

In 1911, Thomas Ridgway (67), Widower, Farm Labourer, was living with his son William Ridgway, at Wallflower Cottage, Halberton. 

In 1921, Thomas Ridgway (77) Farm Labourer, was still living with son William Ridgeway at Neddycott, Uplowman.

Thomas Ridgway died, aged 83, in 1927 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B  Page 571.

Tiverton : Barrington Street & The Barley Mow
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/1601864

William Ambrose Quick (b. 2 May 1885), son of George Quick and Mary Winzer married Bessie Ann Ridgeway, daughter of Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze, in Tiverton in 1906. In 1901, Bessie had been employed as Servant in the household of Thomas Heath, Postmaster, at 11, Bampton Street, Tiverton. William Quick (15), at that time, was a Tailor's apprentice.

William and Bessie had three sons:

  1. George Ridgeway Quick b. 8 Feb 1907
  2. Kenneth William Quick b. 7 Jan 1911
  3. Hedley Charles Quick b. 18 Aug 1918
George and Kenneth were both baptised on 5 Jul 1911 at St Peter's Church.

In 1911, at 1 Brickfield Terrace, Martins Lane, Tiverton, Bessie Ann Quick (31) Boarding house keeper, with sons George Ridgeway Quick (4) and Kenneth William Quick (0) and three boarders: Annie Cuthbert (52), Thomas Jenkinson (28) and Edward Jenkinson (26). William Quick (25) Tailor, was a patient at the Tiverton Infirmary And Dispensary in Bampton Street.

In 1921, William Ambrose Quick (36) Tailor, working for Frederick William Mogridge Tailor at 47 Bampton Street, Tiverton, was living at 104 Barrington Street, Tiverton with Bessie Anne Quick (41), George Ridgway Quick (14) Factory Boy Machine Minder at John Heathcoat & Co, Lace Manufacturers; Kenneth William Quick (10) and Hedley Charles Quick (2).

In 1926, Kenneth William Quick (15) enlisted in the Royal Artillery.

In 1939, the family were living at 104 Barrington Street, Tiverton with William A Quick, Tailor; Bessie A Quick; Hedley C Quick, Glove Cutter. Living with them was Ellen Sampson, widow, Bessie's younger sister.

William A Quick died in 1952, at 67. 

Bessie A Quick died in 1956, at 75.

St Andrew Street, Tiverton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/1546985

Sidney Ridgeway (b. 24 Feb 1882), son of Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze, married Lucy Headford (b. 3 Jan 1886), daughter of George Headford and Ellen Baker, in Tiverton, in 1908. In 1901, Lucy, living at Cosways Buildings, 7, Westexe South, Tiverton, with her widowed mother and siblings, was working as a Wheelwinder, while her mother was a Silk hand and her sister a Silk winder, which suggests they were employed at Heathcoat Fabrics.

Sidney and Lucy had two children: 
  1. Charles Ridgeway b. 29 May 1908
  2. Beatrice Maud Ridgeway b. 21 Jun 1910
In 1911, Sidney Ridgeway (28) Woodman on estate, Lucy Ridgeway (24), Charles (2) and Beatrice (0) were living at 2 Langwood, Cove, Tiverton.

In 1921, Sidney Ridgeway (39) Colliery Repairer Underground at Gt Western Colliery Co; Lucy Ridgeway (35), Charles Ridgeway (13) and Beatrice Maud Ridgeway (11) were living at 48, Danygraig Street, Pontypridd, Wales.

In 1939, Sidney Ridgeway, 'Electric Wireman at the Municipal Electric Works', Lucy Ridgeway and Lily Headford, Incapacitated (Lucy's younger sister), were in Higher Rock Close, St Andrew Street, Tiverton. In a separate household in Higher Rock Close, were Malcolm G Huish, 'General Labourer Gas & Electricity Works', Beatrice Huish and daughter, Marion. Charles Ridgeway, 'Gas Worker' and Dorothy Ellen Ridgeway, lived at 9 Hammett Square.

Lucy Ridgeway died, in Tiverton, in 1949, aged 64. Sidney Ridgeway died, in Tiverton, in 1957, aged 75. Charles Ridgeway died, in Tiverton, in 1973, at 65, and Beatrice Huish, in 1975, at 65, in Sedgemoor, Somerset.

  • Charles Ridgeway married Dorothy Ellen Lazarus in 1932.
  • Beatrice Ridgeway married Malcolm Garfield Huish in 1935.

Fort Regent, Saint Helier, Jersey

Charles Ridgeway (b. 1884), son of Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze, married Ivy Edna Evans (b. 5 Jan 1905), in Tiverton, in 1936. The bridegroom was 52 at the time of their marriage, while the bride was 21 years his junior at 31. Nevertheless, this does seem to be Charles' first marriage. Unable to find Ivy's birth record, I cannot discount that she could have been married before.

On 29 May 1901, Charles Ridgeway, previously a labourer from Uplowman, Devon, had enlisted in the British Army. His age of 18 and 3 months on enlistment, would give a birth year of 1883, so it appears that he added a year to his age to sign up. Certainly not the first or last to do so, and if there were any additional urgency or motivation for doing this, it might have been because the Second Boer War was then in progress. Charles later, was at Fort Regent, Saint Helier, Jersey and there transferred to the Royal Tank Corps, having previously been attached to the 3rd Hussars. 

He was discharged, after 21 years service, on 28 May 1922, at the termination of his period of engagement (Para 392 (xxi) KR), having served right through World War I. His address on discharge was 104, Barrington Street, Tiverton, which was his sister, Bessie Ann Quick's address. 

At some point, Charles had been wounded, which I believe is why he was awarded a pension at a rate of 31½d for life from 29 May 1922. (That's 18s 4½d per week, when 20 shillings = £1 in 1922 is worth £58.29 today.)

In 1939, Charles Ridgeway, Groom, was living at 5 Radcliffe Cottages, St Thomas, Devon. His date of birth on the 1939 Register is given as 24 Feb 1884. This was the date he was baptised, so either he was baptised on the very day he was born, or the actual date of his birth is lost in time. Living with him is his wife, Ivy E Ridgeway. There are then two closed entries, so it's possible that they had children (who may well still be alive).

Charles Ridgeway died at the beginning of 1955, aged 70, in Tiverton.

Ivy Edna Ridgeway died, in Exeter, in 1975, also aged 70.

Monday, 16 February 2026

Thomas Tooze and Jane Burton

Pound Hill, Holcombe Rogus
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/2508490

Thomas Tooze (b. 1776), listed as Jnr, son of Thomas Tooze and Dorothy Woodbery, married Jane Burton (b. 1766), at All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus on 16 Feb 1800. Both parties were of the parish, but I've found no baptism for Jane Burton to trace who her parents may have been.

Thomas and Jane appear to have had at least these six children:
  1. Elizabeth Tooze bap. 12 Oct 1800 in Holcombe Rogus
  2. Sarah Tooze bap. 19 Sep 1802 in Holcombe Rogus
  3. Thomas Tooze b. 5 Jan 1805, bap. 20 Jan 1805 in Halberton
  4. Eleanor Tooze b. 23 Mar 1807, bap 21 Jun 1807 in Halberton
  5. Jane Tooze b. 15 Oct 1809, bap. 5 Nov 1809 in Halberton
  6. John Tooze bap. 21 Feb 1813 in Willand
In 1841, Thomas Tooze (65) Maltster and Jane Tooze (75) were listed as living on Hart's Hill, Holcombe Rogus.

Jane Tooze died at 82 in 1848 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Vol 10 Page 351 and buried on 16 Apr 1848, in Holcombe Rogus.

In 1851, Thomas Tooze (75) Widowed, Pauper Formerly A Maltster, was a Lodger in the household of William Govier (27) and his wife Sarah (née Norman), on Pound Hill, Holcombe Rogus.

It appears that Thomas Tooze died, aged 77, in 1853 M Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 298.

Thursday, 22 January 2026

Richard Tooze and Eliza Disney

No.46 Timewells, Holcombe Rogus
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Andrew Riley - geograph.org.uk/p/5833994

Richard Tooze (bap. 24 Jul 1803), son of Thomas Tooze and Joan Potter, married Eliza Disney (b. ~1807 in Thorne St Margaret, Somerset), at St John the Baptist Church, Sampford Peverell, on 22 Jan 1827. Unfortunately, I've not been able to find a baptism nor identify the parents of Eliza Disney. 

Richard and Eliza had nine children: 
  1. Caroline Tooze bap. 22 Feb 1829
  2. Samuel Tooze bap. 17 Feb 1831 
  3. James Tooze bap. 2 Feb 1834 (Buried on 22 Nov 1835)
  4. Richard Tooze bap. 10 Jul 1836
  5. James Tooze b. ~1839, bap. 5 Dec 1841
  6. Emma Tooze b. 1841 D Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 464, bap. 5 Dec 1841
  7. Ann Tooze b. 1844 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 477, bap. 21 Mar 1844 
  8. George Tooze b. 1847 S Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 406, bap. 22 Aug 1847 (Death registered 1849 M Quarter in WELLINGTON UNION SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10  Page 345, although he had been buried 30 Sep 1848)
  9. Elizabeth Tooze b. 1851 D Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 468, bap. 25 Mar 1853
All of the baptisms were at All Saints' Church in Holcombe Rogus and every one of the records lists Richard Tooze' trade as Chairmaker.

In 1841, at Tinckham, Holcombe Rogus, are Richard Tooze (35) Chairmaker, Eliza Tooze (30), Caroline (12), Samuel (9), Richard (5) and James (2).

In 1851, at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus, we find Richard Tooze (47) Chairmaker, Eliza Tooze (44), Samuel Tooze (19) Chairmaker, Richard Tooze (14) Chairmaker, James Tooze (10) Errand boy, Emma Tooze (9) and Ann Tooze (7). Caroline Tooze (22), in 1851, was working as a General servant to Sarah Shackell (67) Widow, Butcher in Lower Town, Sampford Peverell.

In 1861, Richard Tooze (56) Chairmaker, Eliza Tooze (54) Lace Mender with birthplace listed as Thorne St Margaret, Somersetshire, and Elizabeth Tooze (9), were living at Timewells Cottage, Holcombe Rogus.

Still at Timewells Cottage, Holcombe Rogus, in 1871, were Richard Tooze (67) Chairmaker and Eliza Tooze (64). 

Eliza Tooze died, aged 72 (1879 J Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 253), and was buried on 18 May 1879, in Holcombe Rogus. Richard Tooze died the following year, aged 77 (1880 J Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 243), and was buried, on 2 May 1880, also at All Saints, Holcombe Rogus.